Chapter 39

After returning to the academy, the first place I visited was the Reading Club room. As I entered, Kasumi greeted me, saying, "Junior, are you hurt anywhere? I was really worried about you."

"Ah, no."

I was fine, so there was no way I could be hurt.

"Phew. Is that all you can say to a girl who was so worried about you... Junior, you're such a bad guy..."

Kasumi-senpai covered her face with a book.

Sigh.

Reacting to everything she says is tiring now.

"Junior, you're getting used to it, huh?"

Is it right to get used to it?

"Did the League have any reaction?"

"Yeah. It seems this operation wasn't that important. But..."

The operation in Chapter 3 of Volume 1 of the original work wasn't supposed to be significant.

Burch, a mere pleasure killer, was just a hunting dog to Messiah, whose goal was to save the world.

"...The League has ordered me to keep an eye on you. Junior... I'm really worried... The League is a scary place..."

Kasumi's expression darkened.

"Don't worry, I'll be careful."

This was something I expected when I decided to get involved in this incident.

Being on the League's watch list isn't surprising.

Being on the watch list isn't a big deal.

If they ranked the watch list, I'd probably be at the bottom.

I'm only on it because of Messiah's obsessive need to control all variables.

For now.

"Yeah, I'll report anything that happens. I'm your diligent spy!"

Just as I was about to respond to Kasumi-senpai, my smartphone buzzed.

[There's something I need to talk about]

[Come to the beach park]

Olivia's message, as usual, only contained what she wanted to say.

But what could she want to talk about?

I got up from my chair.

"I'm going now."

"Leaving already? You're the worst guy in the world, just telling me what you want and then leaving so coldly."

I rubbed my forehead.

I haven't felt dizzy like this in a while.

"Just kidding. You must be tired after today's ordeal. Good night, Junior."

My heart skipped a beat.

If I hear three of her jokes, I might faint.

"Good night."

"Take care, Junior."

I left the club room, receiving Kasumi's farewell as she hid her face behind a book.

I walked through the school grounds.

The cold night wind wrapped around me.

Lifting my head, I saw the dark night sky of Tokyo, stained by light pollution.

I continued walking.

Passing the main building, the playground, and the auditorium, I could see the glittering sea in the distance.

The beach park overlooking Tokyo Bay.

There, on the bench where I had talked with Olivia and her cringeworthy personal maid, she was sitting.

"You're here, huh?"

Olivia looked at me, not stuttering as she usually does.

Why is she acting like this? Did she eat something wrong?

"Sit down."

I sat down.

Splash.

The sound of the waves from Tokyo Bay filled my ears.

"What do you want to talk about?"

"Try this first."

Olivia handed me something.

I took it, feeling warmth in my hand.

Red bean porridge can.

The drink I had gotten from the vending machine next to her.

I was curious about the taste, so this was good.

I opened the can and took a sip, savoring the contents.

The sweet and warm red bean porridge went down my throat.

It was better than I expected.

"...I was a bit disappointed in you today."

Olivia spoke up.

She held a can of oden in her hand.

"Disappointed?"

What could she be disappointed about?

"Even if Nishizawa-san did something wrong, the dog collar was a bit... too much, I thought."

Too much?

If it wasn't for the final boss, I would have expelled her.

She should be grateful she wasn't expelled.

Anyway, this isn't a world where kindness reigns.

"So?"

"But Bella told me... the reason Nishizawa-san challenged you to a duel was because of me..."

That's true.

I nodded.

Olivia puffed her cheeks, her face turning red.

"Why didn't you tell me? Ugh! Really! Idiot! Fool! Sea cucumber! Tunicate! Clam! The most foolish man in the universe!"

Her voice echoed through the beach park.

Tears welled up in Olivia's blue eyes.

"Even with what happened with Shinozaki-san before! Why do you always try to bear everything alone! I... I'm your personal maid! You fool!"

Her hands trembled.

A line straight out of a light novel.

But this time, I couldn't just let it pass.

"That's..."

For the first time since I possessed this body, I was at a loss for words.

Olivia, as a hero, values her sense of responsibility.

As a personal maid, she might also feel a heavy sense of responsibility.

Given her character, she would feel that way.

Maybe...

I shook my head.

It's too early for me to make such assumptions, as I need to return to my world.

Olivia is not a character in a novel but a real person.

I can't judge her feelings so lightly.

Moreover, to defeat the final boss, maintaining good relationships with all key characters is essential.

If any of the main characters, allies, or heroines are missing, the final boss strategy will face obstacles.

If Messiah's crazy New World Plan succeeds, the world will literally end.

I don't want to die.

But this is certain.

"...I'm sorry."

For treating Olivia like a game NPC rather than a person.

Even if this is a world I'll eventually leave.

Even if it's a world where forming attachments is crazy.

I shouldn't have treated her, who has been a loyal helper from the beginning, like that.

Thinking about it, after becoming a superhuman, she has grumbled but followed all my instructions, including teaching me the White Flame Sword Style, and even packed me a kimbap.

Kimbap.

Yeah, it reminds me of home.

"...Idiot. Fool. Making a lady cry, you're the worst, the lowest..."

Olivia pouted.

She took out a handkerchief and wiped her tears.

"Alright, I'll forgive you this time! I am the generous, merciful, and noble French princess, Olivia Napoleon Bonaparte! Consider it an honor!"

Click.

Olivia placed her hand over her chest.

Her usual tsundere face.

Indeed.

To be forgiven with just an apology, this is a kind world.

Too kind, even.

A bitter smile spread across my face.

"If we're going to fight, I won't forgive you if you lose. Got it? If you don't want to lose me, you must win!"

Snap.

Olivia put her hands on her hips and spoke in a ladylike tone.

"Sure."

I nodded.

"Ugh, ugh, ugh..."

Olivia blushed, lowering her head and groaning.

"You're always so blunt! That's always the problem with you!!!"

She shouted, her face red.

Yeah, now she's more like the usual Olivia.

I couldn't help but laugh.

Her tsundere tone, though a cliché in this crazy light novel world, has become somewhat familiar after hearing it so often.

It feels like seeing a rival you can't hate.

"What? Why are you laughing? What does it mean?"

"I won't tell you."

I stood up.

I felt a mix of relief and confusion.

But my goal is already set.

I need to return.

For my sick mother.

This world is disgusting and I can't possibly like it, but there's no need to hate it more than necessary.

I don't know how long it will take to return, so I can't afford to waste too much emotional energy.

Of course, in this light novel world where rumors and traps are rampant, I'll still tremble and curse when I encounter new traps.

But at least I have a rival like Olivia who has grown on me.

"That's the most ridiculous answer ever! Idiot, fool, sea cucumber, tunicate, clam, Kim Deok-sung!"

Ah, I was startled.

Just when things were getting warm, her sudden tsundere outburst.

I can never get used to it.

Does she have to rev up without signaling?

Why did she include my name?

Olivia crossed her arms, turned her head, and puffed her cheeks.

It's a relief to see her back to her usual self.

I finished the red bean porridge can she gave me.

The warm and sweet porridge filled my mouth.

I put the empty can in the trash bin.